1.6K 
UrbanToronto has partnered with Heritage Toronto to capture a moment in Toronto's past. On a weekly basis, we will both be highlighting a historic photo of the city's people, places and events, and will be telling the stories behind them. Many thanks to both Gary Switzer of MOD Developements and Maya Bilbao for putting together the photos and research.
This week's photo:
Johnny Lombardi owns a spot in Toronto history as one of the great Italian Canadians. Born on December 4, 1915 in Toronto's Little Italy, Johnny Barbalinardo Lombardi was the child of Italian immigrants. He developed an interest in music early on, and had his own band during his teenage years. Lombardi moved to London, Ontario in the 1930s to join the well known Benny Palmer Orchestra as lead trumpeter. During the War, Lombardi served overseas as sergeant, and furthered his interest in music by taking positions including part-time bandsman and orchestra leader. Following the war, Lombardi moved back to Toronto and worked as the proprietor of a grocery store, a business that first started on Dundas and later moved to the College and Grace street area, where Lombardi spent most of his life. Lombardi's interest in entertainment continued in 1947 when he secured a one hour time slot on CHUM Radio promoting music that catered to Toronto’s Italian community. In 1966, Lombardi founded CHIN Multicultural Radio and the CHIN International Picnic. Lombardi became a highly influential personality within the Italian Canadian community in Toronto, often called the "mayor of Little Italy." A recipient of the Order of Canada, Lombardi's life is honoured with a memorial on the southwest corner of College Street and Grace Street, known as Piazza Johnny Lombardi. Lombardi passed away in 2002.
Sources:
http://www.encyclopediecanadienne.ca/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0009855
http://www.torontohistory.org/Pages_JKL/Johnny_Lombardi.html
http://chinradio.com/johnny-lombardi/
